Kia ora and welcome back to The Tourism Chat Show! In this TRENZ Unpacked episode, host Michelle Caldwell shares her expert tips on how to maximise your appointment streams at TRENZ 2025. If you've ever felt like you were winging it at TRENZ, running from meeting to meeting without a clear strategy—this episode is for you! Michelle breaks down how to define your key markets, research buyers, and turn that knowledge into an effective pitch.
Plus, stick around for a special interview with Prasad from General Travel in India. He shares valuable insights into what Indian buyers are looking for at TRENZ and how to stand out when selling to this growing market.
Key Takeaways:
1. Define Your Key Markets
Look at your past visitor data – Where are your customers coming from?
Analyse industry trends – Are there emerging opportunities?
Be specific about your ideal traveler – Luxury? Adventure? Family? Knowing this will help target the right buyers.
Use TRENZConnect to review attending buyers and their profiles.
Prioritise quality over quantity – Focus on those who align with your market.
Reach out in advance to secure meetings and maximise mutual appointment rankings.
Show buyers you understand their needs: “I saw that your company specialises in small group adventures; here’s how my product fits in.”
Make it easy for them: Highlight transport options, package opportunities, and exclusives.
Be solution-focussed: Address potential challenges buyers may have and provide clear answers.
Send personalised emails referencing your conversation.
Provide necessary collateral: images, rates, and booking details.
Make it easy for buyers to take the next step.
Special Guest: Prasad Bagade from General Travel India
Michelle chats with Prasad from General Travel, who provides a deep dive into the Indian travel market, booking trends, and key insights for working with Indian buyers.
Highlights from the Conversation:
Indian travel trends: Increasing demand for unique experiences, self-drive itineraries, and adventure activities.
Peak booking seasons: Travel happens year-round, but peak times are Diwali, Christmas, and school holidays.
Key factors for success: Food options (particularly vegetarian choices), clear communication, and reliable customer service.
Working through inbound operators: Why Indian agents prefer working with ITOs and how it streamlines the process for New Zealand suppliers.
Bonus Episodes!
We have a special second episode this week to celebrate International Women’s Day! Tune in on Friday for an inspiring discussion on women in leadership in tourism. Plus, next week, we have a BIG announcement related to women in tourism—so make sure you’re subscribed and don’t miss it!
Final Thoughts
If you’re attending TRENZ 2025, now is the time to get strategic about your meetings. Make sure you define your markets, research the right buyers, and prepare a strong pitch.
Enjoyed this episode? Share it with someone who’s attending TRENZ this year!
Ka kite!
Powered by https://www.destinatenz.com
If you, or someone you work with has a great tourism story to share, and would like to come onto the show, please get in touch!
This is an independent podcast by tourism strategist Michelle Caldwell. We are absolutely dedicated to bringing you the best tourism business stories and sharing marketing tips and strategies to your ears each week! The best way you can support The Tourism Chat Show is by subscribing, leaving a (rave!) review, (five star!) rating and spreading the word on social media with your friends, family, and colleagues- we love you for that! 🥰
Today's Guest
Prasad Bagade
Designation: Sales Manager India
Email: prasad.bagade@generaltravel.co.nz
Contact no: +91 9870123481
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prasad-bagade-439525100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15pFR6PMXs/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prasadbagade?igsh=aHRqc3htc3ozb2p5
Resources and Links to connect with us:
Love the show? You can support us by buying a coffee ☕️ here — https://www.buymeacoffee.com/DestinateNZ
Share you thoughts and say hi to us on social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetourismchatshow
Michelle Caldwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellekcaldwell/
Website: www.destinatenz.com
If you'd like to advertise or feature on the show, please check out our media kit - https://www.destinatenz.com/podcast
